Malawi Challenge | 28 March to 5 April 2020

St Luke’s would like to offer you an incredible fundraising challenge that creates memories all round. This once-in-a-lifetime trip will not only be memorable for you, it will raise vital funds for the compassionate care we give and the special memories we create every day for our patients and their families when time is short.

During this eight-day challenge, you’ll push yourself physically with a demanding two-day climb up Mulanje Mountain. You’ll also get to visit local communities, have the chance to visit a Malawian hospice and take in some of Africa’s most beautiful scenery and wildlife.

While the main aim is to raise much needed funds for the vital care at home provided by St Luke’s, we hope in doing so you will get to share your skills and work with Malawians within the healthcare and community care system.

This is a chance to see a different side to Africa, where you’ll meet dedicated, passionate and inspiring people committed to delivering healthcare within an environment that is challenging and under resourced.

Take this opportunity to push your boundaries both physically and mentally and join a team of people committed to supporting global hospice care. For further information about the trip, please see below:

For further information about the trip, please see below:

Who is the organiser?

Orbis Expeditions is a specialist family-run company specialising in educational, experiential and philanthropic travel to Africa.

With over ten years’ experience in the industry, the company has offices in both Devon and Blantyre, Malawi, and partners with the Responsible Safari Company based in Malawi, which operates this challenge.

About Malawi

From its undulating mountains to the shores of its stunning lakes, the fact that Malawi has traditionally been overlooked as a mainstream travel destination means you will find hidden gems at every turn.

As one of the world’s poorest countries (over 60 per cent of people earn less than 93p a day), healthcare is very limited and people rely heavily on community support and the help of extended family during times of crisis.

During your time in Malawi you will have the opportunity to work with a home-based care team as they visit sick people in the community.

An opportunity to learn and use your skills

If you are from a medical or social work background, you can support or offer training workshops to the Palliative Care Support Trust Blantyre, which operates from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi’s second biggest city. There’s also the option to visit a village clinic, join a family in preparing lunch and take in village life.

The Trust provides palliative care for children and adults through clinics and home visits. They are in desperate need of support for the care they give in people’s homes, so you could make a real difference here. If your interests and skills lie in different areas, you can get involved with other organisations in Blantyre, such as those focussing on education, law or women’s rights.

Expedition outline

The following is just a snapshot – for further details, please refer to the downloadable leaflet.

Day 1: Arrive at Chileka Airport and meet your guide. Head to base camp at Mulanje Mountain and settle in.Day 2: Acclimatisation Day. A visit to a local church and short walks around waterfall before meeting your hiking team and organising equipment.Day 3: Start ascent to Malanje Plateau and arrive at a basic hut to witness the beautiful views of South Malawi.Day 4: Option to climb one of Mulanje’s 21 peaks or walk to the natural pools and hike through the Mulanje cedar forests.Day 5:Begin descent. Meet the local community healthcare team, who will guide you into the village for lunch so you can spend the afternoon learning about their work. Return to base camp.Day 6: Depart from base camp to Majete Wildlife Reserve where a 4×4 Game Drive will seek local wildlife including Elephants and Hippos.Day 7: Spend the day with the hospice team (or choose from other activities) in Blantyre. Visit the main government hospital, learn about hospice support work and use your skills. Final meal and reflection on your trip.Day 8: Breakfast and transfer to airport – or to your add-on activity.

Please note that the hike up Mulanje Mountain is for people of a medium to high fitness level. The climb is around 1000m and can take between five and seven hours. For those wanting a shorter option, there’s the opportunity to hike to the waterfalls.

Notes:
– Costs quoted on Twin sharing rooms. Please advise if a single room is required, although single occupancy is where
possible, and in some locations sharing will be necessary.
– Flights are booked independently by each participant (London Heathrow – Blantyre Chileka).
– Please contact Petra Albrecht from STA Travel on petra.Albrecht@statravel.com. STA Travel have a St.Luke’s Expedition file
prepared and will endeavour to organise each member of the group travel on the same flight and at the lowest prices.
*However, be advised that fares will slowly increase the more participants confirm their flights, so get booking!
– All flights will need to be paid in full at time of booking.
Inclusions: Return International Flights (booked separately), All Accommodation, All Meals (where stated), All Transport (inc.
fuel & driver), RSC Guide, All Project set up and support, All Activities (where applicable), Air Evacuation cover, All local Taxes
and Bank Fees.
Exclusions: Meals not included (where stated), Activities not included (where stated), Personal Travel Insurance, Entry Visas
($75), Bar Drinks, Tips & Items of a personal nature.

Accommodation

During the trip, you will stay in four different locations (see below). All accommodation has mosquito nets and access to clean drinking water. Please note that electricity is very sporadic, so expect power cuts!

Mulanje Base Camp: Hostel providing basic accommodation in shared chalet rooms with their own bathroom. Great views of Mulanje, and you can walk to nearby natural pools.

Mvuu Camp: Set on the banks of the River Shire, this is one of Malawi’s most beautiful lodges. The camp has a restaurant and pool, and offers game drives, plus both river and walking safaris.

Game Haven Lodge: A small lodge feel while offering a clubhouse, golf course and stunning views with the chance to see wildlife from your ensuite room.

Extend your stay

Why not extend this trip of a lifetime by a few days? At Lake Malawi, you could go scuba diving, kayaking or simply lay in a hammock and relax!

Alternatively, we can arrange for you to travel into Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania or South Africa.

Or perhaps you’d like to learn more about development work in Malawi through our links with three inspirational community groups in rural areas? An opportunity for you to experience a family homestay and a skills-sharing workshop.

How you can help

The Malawi Challenge not only gives you the chance to have a great experience but also makes a real difference to the patients of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth in the last months, weeks and days of life. Last year with the help of our local community raising vital sponsorship money through events like The Milawi Challenge, our nurses were able to care for more than 3,480 patients – a need that is growing year on year: all sponsorship is vital.